Experience a Romantic Valentine's Day in Orlando

By Kate Cohen 
February 1, 2025

 

Orlando is a city of magic, imagination, and of course, romance.  

The City Beautiful is the perfect destination for a Valentine’s Day you and your sweetheart will never forget.  

 

A table set with roses and candles with an out-of-focus couple clinking wine glasses in the background.

 

Sure, you can spend your day exploring whimsical theme parks hand-in-hand, but there’s a variety of other ways to celebrate with your special someone here in Central Florida.  

 

Here’s a look at our favorite ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Orlando.  

 

Key Takeaways

Enjoy A Romantic Dinner

 

A woman peers from behind a plate with a smudge of chocolate, dollops of chocolate mousse, and a red velvet cheesecake with decorative chocolate toppings.

 

Enjoying a special meal with the person you love is a classic way to spend Valentine’s Day. 

Maybe for you, the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner is all about the ambiance, or maybe it comes down to ordering dessert with two spoons to share.  

Orlando is an amazing foodie city with plenty of restaurants ideal for hosting your Valentine’s Day date night, no matter your culinary preferences.  

We’ve already put together a list of our favorite romantic restaurants in Orlando so you can spend your holiday gazing into each other’s eyes across a beautiful table.  

Be sure to make your reservations well in advance.  

 

Ride the Orlando Eye 

 

The Orlando Eye observation wheel glowing purple at twilight, overlooking a colorful sky and glowing lights below.

 

Take time to see the city from a whole new perspective with a ride on The Orlando Eye.  

This massive observation wheel, located in ICON Park, offers spectacular views of Orlando and its surrounding suburbs and neighborhoods.  

On a clear day, you can see the surrounding theme parks, or even the Kennedy Space Center on the Florida coast, nearly 50 miles away.  

At sunset, the sky puts on a breathtaking show, wrapping you and your loved one in warm, glowing light and magnificent colors.  

Each capsule has stability control and air conditioning for a comfortable 20-minute ride that will let you focus on your sweetheart and the view.  

If you time your ride just right at night, you may even catch a fireworks show from a nearby theme park lighting up the night sky.  

After your ride, check out one of the great restaurants or other attractions that call ICON Park home.  

 

Paint Something Special  

 

A woman in a white dress and gray apron smiles as she paints a piece of pottery.

 

Feeling artistic?  

Make a Valentine’s Day date out of painting pottery at All Fired Up.  

This charming studio allows you to pick your own canvas in the form of a piece of pottery including plates, mugs, figurines, vases, and so much more.  

Then, choose your paint colors from a wide selection and turn your piece into a masterpiece.  

Paint something for your sweetheart or create something together that you can treasure forever.  

When you’re done, All Fired Up will fire your piece(s) in a kiln, giving them a glossy shine. Pick them up in four days and voila – you have a beautiful Valentine’s Day memento. 

Walk-ins are welcome at both All Fired Up Orlando locations in Winter Park and Waterford Lakes.  

 

Swim, Snorkel, and Sunbathe at Discovery Cove 

 

A man and woman in wetsuits smile standing chest-deep in water, handing a white buoy to a dolphin.

 

Discovery Cove is one of the best theme park experiences in Orlando, though you may not yet know about it.  

Owned and operated by SeaWorld, this all-inclusive day resort offers experiences you can cross off your bucket list.  

Once you’re dressed in your provided wetsuit, you can swim with resident dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon and snorkel alongside rays and colorful tropical fish in The Grand Reef.  

Mingle with flamingos, feed tropical birds in the Explorer’s Aviary, and float the day away in the gentle Wind-Away River.  

Serenity Bay is a beautiful sandy beach, and the Freshwater Oasis lets you get face-to-face with playful otters and marmosets.  

Plus, your ticket includes unlimited food and beverages all day long, including select wine and beer (bar upgrade packages are available, too.).   

Book your ticket for Valentine’s Day and see why USA Today voted Discovery Cove the #1 Most Romantic Thing to Do in Orlando.  

 

Take to the Sky in a Hot Air Balloon 

 

A large blue striped hot air balloon rises into the sky with colorful daisies in the foreground.

 

Enjoy an adventure in the sky with a Valentine’s Day hot air balloon excursion.  

Head to Disney Springs for a ride on the Aéro30 by Aérophile, the world's largest hand-painted helium balloon custom built for Disney.  

While tethered to one location, you’ll float up to 400 feet above the ground to take advantage of panoramic vistas up to ten miles away.  

Your 8-minute adventure is sure to be one you’ll never forget.  

Then, when your feet are safely on the ground again, take time to wander through the shops, restaurants, and other attractions at Disney Springs for a romantic date. 

 

Soak in a Scenic Boat Ride  

 

A swan boat in the foreground overlooking a beautiful lake surrounded by tall buildings and a rainbow amphitheater.

 

If you prefer a more nautical endeavor, take your sweetheart on a romantic boat ride.  

The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is a beautiful exploration of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes.  

This quiet suburban tour lets you take in beautiful flora and fauna, opulent homes and estates, and a quiet oasis less than ten minutes from Downtown Orlando.  

The hour-long boat excursion is the perfect way to sit back and relax while someone else captains and shares a wealth of knowledge about one of Orlando’s most popular neighborhoods.  

If you prefer to captain your own vessel, how about renting a swan boat on historic Lake Eola? 

These bird-shaped paddle boats allow you to venture out onto the lake in the heart of Downtown Orlando, getting close to the city’s iconic fountain.  

Take in views of the city skyline and the surrounding lush park for a unique and romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.  

 

Unpack a Picnic in Leu Gardens 

 

A metal arch with green vines leading out to a beautiful garden with hanging flowers and a cobblestone path.

 

Leu Gardens is a beautiful botanical oasis in Orlando with historic roots, both literal and metaphorical.  

Home to over 3,500 species of plants spread across 50 acres of sprawling landscape, Leu Gardens is a true gem of The City Beautiful.  

Stunning gardens and exhibits like the vintage Rose Garden, spectacular Tropical Garden, and whimsical Butterfly Garden offer an immersive journey through some of the world’s most beautiful flora.  

Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages to enjoy in designated picnic areas throughout the gardens.  

You can also pick up fresh coffee, food, and ice cream at the Foxtail Marketplace & Café located inside the Historic Leu House Museum.  

 

Enjoy a Romantic Stay at a Rosen Inn 

 

A large hotel building surrounding a blue pool and palm trees. Rosen Inns is close to the best spots for Valentine's Day in Orlando.

 

After a day of celebrating your special someone, there’s nothing better than curling up together for a comfy night in.  

At Rosen Inns, you’ll be able to get cozy in a spacious room with comfortable bedding, free Wi-Fi, and even pick up your favorite snacks and treats from Lite Bites Mini-Market in the lobby of each hotel.  

Spend some time lounging by one of our seasonally heated pools, perfect for a dip even in mid-February.  

And, as always, you’ll never pay a resort fee at any Rosen Hotels & Resorts property.  

Let us spoil you and your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day – and every other day you choose to stay at a Rosen Inn.